Advent 20173501 San Jose • Tampa, Florida 33629 • 813.253.6047 • www.palmaceia.org

And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. Luke 1:31

Dear Friends,

This fall we have been observing PCPC’s 90th Birthday. In 1927, the Presbytery of Central Florida, at that time called St. John’s Presbytery, chartered the small group of folks who had been meeting for a year on San Jose Street as a Sunday School as a congregation of the Presbyterian Church. We started the same year Plant High School did, and have grown up together.

A birthday, especially something as propitious as a 90th, is an occasion to remember and revisit. To remember the blessings in the journey and the lessons learned, and to revisit your sense of purpose and mission. For that reason, Becky Charles and the Stewardship Committee coupled the 90th birthday observance with our stewardship campaign this fall. The occasion of the celebration and the remembering became the vehicle for committing … for committing once again to underwrite the mission and ministry of this church in the year ahead (2018) as several generations before us have done so faithfully.

I say “Thank you!” to everyone who has been a part of this Birthday Observance by turning in a pledge form for the year ahead. Your pledges (which are estimates of your giving for the year ahead, and can be paid at anytime over the year as you are able) enable the Budget Committee to prepare the 2018 budget for PCPC, including the programs or outreach we would like to add, if possible. In essence you are bringing the birthday gifts for the year ahead as we continue the 90 year journey into a new decade.

If you have not yet, and are willing to be a part of this Birthday Offering Effort for 2018, there is still time to be one of the partners and turn in a pledge form. You can do so at www.palmaceia.org/pledge or by emailing Finance@palmaceia.org, or by turning in a birthday offering commitment form into any of the Birthday Boxes in the office, Sanctuary, or Connection. The pledge forms are in the office and in the bulletin on Sundays.

Making a Birthday Offering Stewardship pledge is a faithful act of Christian discipleship and commitment. It is a way of partnering with others in the congregation to keep the ministry of PCPC alive and well in the year ahead as others have in decades prior. It is also an act of thanksgiving, a witness of the gratitude we feel for the blessings God has given us in Christ Jesus, The Lord.

Happy Birthday PCPC! On to 100!

Pastor John

Did You Remember The Birthday Gift? Prayer for One’s Own Birthday

O God, our times are in Your hands: Thank you for all Your gifts, but particularly on this day I thank You for the gift of life itself. How grateful I am for the family, friends, and love that have marked this journey. Teach me O Lord with memories from the past and lessons I am still learning. Forgive me Lord, especially for any moment when I have taken for granted the extravagant gift of life, and for moments when I have lived as if I was the center of Your creation. Creator God, I do not know what lies ahead for me this year. Yet I know that You are holding the future in Your hands, and that is a powerful source of hope. Good Shepherd guide me so that gratitude shapes my every footprint. Good Shepherd lead me so that my living, working, and loving each day in the year ahead may be some means of your blessing others. Good Shepherd help me to live faithfully in the gift of each day, so that the days of my life might glorify you. For the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.

2 | www.palmaceia.org

advent 2017WORSHIP CALENDARSun., November 128:30 & 11:00 am - Sanctuary Worship9:00 & 11:00 am - Connection Worship6:00 pm - Special Vespers Concert featuring the USF Chamber Choir

Wed., November 155:15 pm - Wednesday Night Dinner: “Happy Thanksgiving” Program with Kenny Haelsig on the piano playing Thanksgiving-themed music!Menu: Turkey and gravy with seasonal sides and pie

Sun., November 19: Thanksgiving & Stewardship SundayOn this Sunday before Thanksgiving, we celebrate everyone bringing in their pledge forms in support of the mission of the church in the year ahead. The congregation is invited to a meal after church. 8:30 & 11:00 am - Sanctuary Worship9:00 & 11:00 am - Connection Worship11-12:30 Fall Picnic Meal and Kids’ Carnival! Join us for ribs and hot dogs, plus cookies and ice cream in celebration of PCPC’s 90th birthday! Children’s games in the courtyard.6:00 pm - Vespers Service - Service of quiet Scripture reading, prayer, and contemplation in the Chapel. The Sacrament of Communion will be served.

Wed., November 22: Thanksgiving Eve Service6:30 pm - Thanksgiving Eve Service in the Sanctuary with Thanksgiving hymns. The Sacrament of Communion will be served. Friends and neighbors are especially welcome.

November 23- Jan 9: See Advent Calendar Insert

Wed., January 1012:00 pm - Contemplation and Scripture Service in the Chapel 5:15 pm - Wednesday Night Dinner Menu: Mojo Pork with Cuban Bread and Cake

Sun., January 14th: Race Relations Sunday8:30 & 11:00 am - Sanctuary Worship9:00 & 11:00 am - Connection Worship6:00 pm - A brief Vespers Service with scripture, prayer and communion in the Chapel

Monday, January 15thHillsborough County MLK Interfaith worship service. Place and time TBA.

Wed., January 1712:00 pm - Contemplation and Scripture Service in the Chapel 5:15 pm - Wednesday Night Dinner Menu: Beef stew, with apple pie for dessert

New At 3:00 pmChristmas Eve Service!Lessons and CaroLs serviCe

PCPC is continuing our new 3:00 service on Christmas Eve this year. This service will be family-friendly and will incorporate the beloved readings of Christmas with the congregation singing familiar carols. A short meditation will be offered and special music will be provided by a violinist.

Poinsettia Memorial DedicationHonor your family, friends and loved ones this season with a Poinsettia Memorial Dedication. Dedications are $8.00 and can be placed by calling the church office, 813-253-6047 by December 5. The memorial listing will be printed December 10, and then will be available on palmaceia.org.

Thanksgiving Eve

Service6:30 p.m. Wednesday

November 22nd

Join us for a Thanksgiving Eve Service in the Sanctuary with Thanksgiving hymns. The Sacrament of Communion will be served. Friends and neighbors are especially welcome.

PCPC Life Advent 2017 | 3

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

-Revelation 1:8f a m i l i e sa d u l t s &Adult Faith Formation Opportunities

Called to Community: The Implications of Advent Sundays, December 3 - December 17, 10:05amEM 307/308 Led by Will Wellman. Advent is a time when the Christian church celebrates the nativity of Jesus Christ. Yet, it is also a time for Christians to think critically about the present work of Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Church. This class will explore the meaning of community in light of Advent. We will read selections from the book Called to Community: The Life Jesus Wants for His People. Books will be available to borrow from the church, or can be purchased on your own. Email will@palmaceia.org to get on the reading list and/or for a book.

Faith & Poetry: Our Favorite PoemsSundays, January 7 – February 11, 10:05am EM307/308 Led by Carol McCammon & Will Wellman. Believers through the centuries have found poetry a helpful place to explore the mystery and depths of faith. Whether a Psalm or contemporary poem, attendees will be invited to share their favorite poem and what it means to them in this class. Additionally, Carol & Will will share some of their own favorite poems. All are welcome, and there is no need to share a poem. Email will@palmaceia.org for more information or to put your poem on the list.

Rule of LifeSundays, January 7 – February 11, 10:05amEM305/306 Led by Mindy Powell and Kurt Hine. When we’re being completely honest with ourselves, it can often feel like our spiritual life is casual or haphazard. We need support, intention, and structure so our spiritual life does not grow in a confused and disorderly way. In the Christian tradition, the name for this kind of support for the spiritual life is called a rule of life. This class will explore how creating and maintaining a personal Rule of Life engages us in the critical practices that help to form us spiritually.

Contemplation & Scripture Wednesdays, November 28 — March 28, 12:00pmChapelTake time amid the busyness of the week and join us for a service of reflection, prayer, and the reading of Scripture. This service will incorporate the reading of scripture with various contemplative practices from the larger Christian tradition.

Grieving Through the Holidays Class: December 3rd (One Day Only)10:05am in room EM 301/302

The Christmas holidays can be especially difficult for those who are grieving the death of a loved one. A Sunday School class, “Grieving Through the Holidays,” is being offered Sunday, December 3 at 10:05 EM, Room EM 301/302, and it will cover the topics: -Coping through the holidays -Dealing with emotions and memories -Developing new traditions

The class will be led by members of the Stephen Ministry team. For additional information, contact Betsy Bradt, betsybradt@gmail.com.

Young At HeartYoung at Heart is a shared monthly interdenominational luncheon, fellowship and program for men and women age 55+. The group meets the 3rd Thursday of every month 12:30-2pm (but no December meeting!). The cost is $8 at the door. Please RSVP to Bruce Farnell at receptionist@palmaceia.org or 813-253-6047. For further questions, contact BJ Johns at bj@palmaceia.org. Thursday, November 16th 12:30-2pm at Hyde Park United Methodist

(No Young At Heart in December)

Thursday, January 18th12:30-2pm at Bayshore Baptist ChurchProgram: Senior Safety

December 13: Jolley Trolley NightThe Jolley Trolley comes to PCPC! Hop aboard the festive trolley to sing Christmas carols on board and admire Christmas lights around the neighborhood. The Jolley Trolley makes trips from PCPC starting at 5pm.

Fall Picnic Meal & Kids’ Carnival: Nov 19thServing 11-12:30 Fall Picnic Meal and Kids’ Carnival! Join us for ribs and hot dogs, plus cookies and ice cream in celebration of the 90th birthday of PCPC! Children’s games in the courtyard.

4 | www.palmaceia.org

-Luke 2:14

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

Music Notes....Handel’s Messiah (Christmas portion)December 10th at 6pm and December 11th at 7pmPresented by the Tampa Oratorio Singers with the Palma Ceia Presbyterian Chancel ChoirDirected by Nancy CallahanPalma Ceia Presbyterian Church SanctuaryNo tickets required

“Singing the Season”December 17th at 4pmPresented by Tampa Oratorio SingersWith guest performance by the fun and fabulous Todd Donovan. Expect both popular and traditional songs and carols celebrating December holiday traditions! Tickets for church members available in the Church office.

Welcomer AwardTampa Bay is home to the second largest population of refugees in Florida. In response to the dire needs of this community, Palma Ceia Presbyterian has recently become involved in a variety of refugee ministries, including volunteering, donations, housing, and employment. In addition to the physical and mental trauma refugees have to contend with from their country of origin, they are faced with the near-impossible task of becoming self-sufficient three months after getting to the US. A host of obstacles confront these families, and a particular one is housing. Due to a number of circumstances, acquiring and maintaining housing is a constant crisis situation for the Tampa Bay refugee community. In response to this the PCPC Refugee Housing Team applied to the Tampa Bay Presbytery for a grant to direct towards a housing relief fund in partnership with Lutheran Services. The team was awarded the grant and since September has already helped eleven refugee families.

In recognition of PCPC’s work with refugees, and particularly for the housing relief ministry, the team was given a Welcomer Award at the recent National Welcoming Week event. The Tampa Bay Refugee Task gave PCPC the award “with appreciating for outstanding dedication and service to the Tampa Bay Refugee Task force and the Refugee Community.” The National Welcoming Week event was a great time with hundreds of refugees from more than a dozen countries, games, music, food, and more. Try to make it next year!

Interested in getting involved with refugee ministries at PCPC? We will be having a Lunch and Learn January 21, 2018, from 12-2pm. Lunch will be provided. Also, feel free to contact Will Wellman if you are interested in getting involved or have any questions, will@palmaceia.org.

Hospitality Session forNew MembersOne Sunday a Month; 9:30-11amDecember 3; January 14PCPC offers a monthly Hospitality Session for anyone who has an interest in learning more about Palma Ceia Presbyterian and its ministries. Some people who attend this new members class have a desire to become members of PCPC and decide to join at the end of the class. Others attend the class simply as part of their exploration toward learning more about the ministries that PCPC has to offer individuals and families. All are welcome on the above dates in the Bride’s Room next to the chapel, and we look forward to seeing you!

As we celebrate PCPC’s 90th birthday this year, one of the ways we can express our gratitude is by bringing forward our own gifts in honor of the birthday. For 90 years, Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church has been sustained in its ministry by the generous gifts of the members. Please prayerfully consider what your gift might be in support of PCPC’s ministry in the year ahead.

The pledges for 2017 totaled $1,434,000. The following list includes some of the exciting plans proposed for 2018. For this to become reality, the pledges must be increased to $1,700,000.

• A restructuring and revitalization of the educationalprograms (Faith Formation for every age group)

• An increase in the compensation packages for pastors,directors, and employees as deemed appropriate

• Expansion of the preschool to accommodate an increasein students

• A growth in the staff to better serve a growing congregation

• Mission outreach at home and around the world

• The repair and maintenance of the church facilities

Please be a part of our birthday giving in support of the ministry of Christ’s church.

“You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God.” - 2 Corinthians 9:11

Plan to join us for the congregational lunch after church on Sunday, November 19th in celebration of our effort!

If you have questions about the stewardship effort, please contact Becky Charles, Chairman of the Stewardship Committee, at rlbc56@gmail.com.

HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY, PCPC!

We are grateful for 90 years of ministry!

PCPC Life Advent 2017| 5

MI

SS

IO

N

Boxes of HopeProvide a nutritious holiday meal for a family of four who may otherwise be without food during the holiday. Around the church campus, you can find boxes with an attached list of needed supplies to take home and fill during the holiday season. Boxes go to FED & Metropolitan Ministries. Pick up-Fill-Return by Friday, December 22.

Project ChristmasDecember 10th at 12pm

Project Christmas is an intergenerational service opportunity on Sunday, December 10th. All are welcome to this event! There are different stations to fit the needs of all mobility levels! We begin with a light lunch at noon in Fellowship Hall and then together we package 10,000 meals to be shipped around the world as a part of the mission Rise Against Hunger. It should take us around 2 and a half hours to finish packaging all the meals. While we are working, Christmas music will be playing in the background. It’s a joyful experience and an opportunity to remind us of Jesus’s humble beginnings and his teachings of helping our neighbors. In addition to meal packaging, we are looking for 10 strong volunteers — 5 for set up & 5 for clean up. If you are interested in being a part of the setup or clean up crew please email ce@palmaceia.org.

Christmas in Africa Christmas in Africa serves as an opportunity to give gifts to villagers in Papoli, Uganda in the name of a loved one. By purchasing a gift, you are helping feed children, address poverty, open the door to a future through education, and provide means of self-sufficiency to this community. Through Christmas in Africa, loved ones can be honored by providing gifts in their name: a tree, a goat, or a mosquito net; a day of food for a sick child; a book for learning, the gift of schooling; or other items can be purchased and given to another in the name of the person you choose. Each giver will receive a card to share with those being honored on which details of the gift can be written, or you can download your card of choice if you purchase online at http://www.villagepartnersinternational.org/shop/. Tables will be in the breezeway each Sunday, beginning Nov. 26 and continuing through Christmas Eve. You can e-mail Sylvia Campbell at sylcamp@aol.com or Lindsey Mineer at kmineer@tampabay.rr.com with questions. If you wish to volunteer to help on Sundays, contact Anne Strozier at strozier@usf.edu.

‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:40

GIVING TREE Please support this year’s giving tree by selecting a tag from one of the Christmas trees in the Narthex of the Sanctuary or in the Gym. Guardian ad Litem, FED, Created, and Beth-El will be the recipients of your generosity this year. We are also in need of gift bags, or plain white or light brown

bags to decorate as gift bags. Please return gifts unwrapped, with tag attached, to the church office by Sunday, December 10.

Year-End Giving & SavingIf you’d like to make an impact on the church this year—why not make that impact with a tax break? With the end of the year fast approaching, now is the time to make a gift and minimize your taxes.

CONSIDER THESE FOUR WAYS OF SUPPORTING CHRIST’S WORK THROUGH PCPC THIS YEAR:

1.Give cash. Cash is the simplest way to give to support our current needs. To document a cash gift of $250 or more for tax benefit purposes, you must have written acknowledgment from us.

2. Give appreciated stock. When you donate appreciated stock, you eliminate the capital gains tax you would have paid had you sold it. Your gift will be deductible at full fair market value (assuming you have held it for more than one year).

3. Donate an insurance policy. A gift of a life insurance policy is a year-end gift you may not have considered. For your donation to qualify as a deductible gift, PCPC must become the policy owner. For most types of insurance policies, your tax deduction is usually the cost basis or the fair market value of the policy, whichever is less.

4. Make a gift from your IRA. If you are 70½ or older, you can transfer any amount up to $100,000 annually directly from your IRA. The transfer doesn’t generate taxable income or a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you do not itemize your tax deductions.

To receive a 2017 tax benefit, your gift must be postmarked or in the office by Dec 31. During this time of giving and receiving, don’t wait to know you’ve made a difference by making a gift while also receiving a tax benefit.

You should talk to your attorney or CPA for specific advice.

6| www.palmaceia.org

NURTURE your FAITH

Please help decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas!We decorate the Sanctuary each year for Christmas. This year we will be meeting in the Sanctuary on Thursday, November 30th at 9am. Please come as you are able, as many hands make light work! We should be there about 2-3 hours, so come even for a short time if you can help.

Please note we will take down decorations on Wednesday, January 3rd starting at 9am. Would love to have your helping hands join us once more!

Annual Christmas Coffee for ALL Women of the ChurchPW hosts our annual Christmas Coffee, which is for ALL WOMEN of this church, and specifically honors those new women members of the church within the past year. This year, Marsha Martin Castro has graciously provided her home, 2805 W Parkland Blvd, on Saturday, December 2 from 10am until noon. Please come and join fellow women of our church for coffee and tasty treats - perhaps learn more about Presbyterian Women. We would love to have you!

Preschool UpdateOf Course!

At Palma Ceia Presbyterian preschool we have lately been excited about the arts. With our new atelier the children are exploring and constructing in depth and with intent. Our monthly tours have become larger and larger and I often highlight the arts documentation on the walls, and

explain our new atelier. Last week, I had a question about whether we teach letters and numbers, to which I responded: “Of course!”The purpose of the arts is not to produce

a decorative product, but to explore numeracy, literacy and oracy in a different language than the primary languages often used in teaching young children: (books, letters, counting blocks, pegs, puzzles).Best practices in Early Childhood Education support the teaching of all subject areas as a “bundle.” The drive of young children to learn is so strong that learning across all domains combined is occurring at all times as their brain synapses undergo the most rapid growth of a lifetime. This is why there are books and sight words in the atelier, and there are “loose parts” in the centers in the classrooms. Any material is only as good as the number of different learning strategies for which it can be used. Contrast a “light up” toy which can do one thing, versus mutable materials that can be counted, made into a mosaic, discussed, grouped

by color, size, dissected, photographed and discussed. So “of course” we read to children, count with them, do science experiments with them and especially we talk with them and listen to them. This is what is called “oracy.” Erika Christakis in her book: The Importance of Being Little, describes it: She quotes the Finnish Board of Education: “The basis for emerging literacy is that children have heard and listened, they have been heard, they have spoken and been spoken to, people have discussed things with them, and they have asked questions and received answers.”And we keep a good eye on their development because we need to know how they are progressing.The preschool hopes to glorify God by singing, talking, counting, reading, painting, worshipping and playing. The children and families are each a gift to our community. We’re so happy the children are part of our church family five days a week! Merry Christmas!

Young AdultsWe will resume our singles and married dinner group at the Holmes’ house starting November 28 for every last Tuesday of the month. It will be a potluck style. More activities coming in the spring! Email Andrew Rametta at AndrewR@palmaceia.org to get on the email list.

Stephen Ministers Are There for YouSometimes the approaching holidays can be difficult, especially if you are missing someone you love, or if you wish your current circumstances were different, or if you feel lonely and depressed.

Do you wish you could just talk with someone? Stephen Ministers are there to listen, to walk along side you in your struggles, to pray for you. If you would like more information, please contact Betsy Bradt @ betsybradt@gmail.com or call 813-286-1676.

PR

ESH

CO

OL

PCPC Life Advent 2017 | 7

YO

UT

H

Youth Group at PCPCGreetings from the Youth Ministry!

The fall has flown by with lots of energy, fun, and learning. We’ve invaded a mall, we enjoyed fine dining at our Meme Expo, and we hope we’ve become a little more like Jesus in the process! Thanks to all who have participated in and supported this ministry.

Looking ahead to the advent season, please review the remaining items on the youth calendar:November 15th - Messy Game Night November 22nd - No Youth Group (Thanksgiving Week) December 6th - White Elephant Gift Exchange/ Last youth group until the new year!December 11th - Last Bible Study until the new year!

Youth Group will start back up Wednesday, January 3rd!Bible Study will start back up Monday, January 8th!

Please take special note of our Confirmation offering and be sure to save the dates! Confirmation is a seven-week commitment where 9th grade students (although all high schoolers are welcome) will learn about church tradition, theology, and what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Confirmation culminates with a written statement of faith that is shared with the Elders of PCPC and are showcased to the broader church in the breezeway. Confirmation begins on January 21st from 10:00am-12:00pm, confirmation students will be introduced at all services on March 4th, and the confirmation dinner is on March 4th at 6pm.

Also, be on the lookout for the Youth Program’s 2nd Semester Newsletter that will be sent out in early January. This newsletter will have all special events for the semester and summer trip info! To be sure you’re on the youth email list, shoot me an email at Ken@palmaceia.org.

Kenny HubbellYouth Director www.palmaceia.org/youth/

STONE SOUP AND THE LIVING NATIVITYDecember 34pm - Art and devotional activities for the whole family in the Gym! Join us for fun activities centering on preparing for the coming Christ including: graham cracker “gingerbread” nativities, photo booth, Advent countdown chains, Christmas ornaments, and more!

Volunteers are needed to assist with the activity stations in the gym. Email Kelly McCord (ce@pamlaceia.org).

5pm - Dinner in Fellowship Hall

6:15pm - Living Nativity on the front lawn. Children are invited to come be a part of the cast of angels and shepherds as we tell this remarkable story of God’s love. All children desiring to costume and be a part of telling the story are invited to robe with a parent in the Westminster 2nd floor rooms at 5:45pm. Adult volunteers are also needed to serve as Wise Men, plus a few adults serving as Chief Angels and Shepherds to help manage the heavenly host. Email Nancy Creedon (nancyc@palmaceia.org) to serve in one of those roles.

WHY DO WE CALL IT STONE SOUP?Stone Soup originated as a European folk tale. The story began with a hungry traveler, who happened upon a village, and went door-to-door, hoping to find a meal to eat. One by one, he was turned down by the villagers. He then decided to offer to cook a delicious meal of Stone Soup for the entire village. He told the folks all he needed was a large pot, which one villager readily supplied, and a magical ingredient. The traveler added water and a few washed stones. As it cooked, the traveler commented that the soup would be much better with a couple of onions, which another villager volunteered. After a bit, it was determined that a couple of carrots would improve the taste…. followed by potatoes, and tomatoes, and so on. Certainly a bit of seasoning would really help the soup along, which was also offered up. Before too long, the hearty soup was ready, and the entire village did not only contribute to, but took part in the enjoyment of a communal meal. Of course, the magical ingredient was sharing. When Stone Soup first began at PCPC, before the activities would commence in the gym, parishioners would each bring a bag of diced vegetables to share. Into the pot that contained beef, soup bones & water, went the vegetables. By the time all gathered, there would be a delicious meal of vegetable beef soup to share. The good news is the tradition of a communal meal continues at PCPC, and though we may have gotten away from bringing chopped vegetables to add to the pot (due to the amount of time needed to prepare for this popular event), we can certainly bring our canned goods, so that others can enjoy a communal holiday meal. Please plan to bring your canned goods to the bin in the Fellowship Hall before attending Stone Soup on Sunday, December 3. We will also have a drop-off can in the gym.Remember the recipe for Stone Soup: Bring what you’ve got. Put it in the pot. Every bit counts, from the largest to the least. Together we can celebrate a Stone Soup feast! 2016 Stone Soup Activities

3501 San Jose • Tampa, FL 33629Phone: (813) 253-6047Fax: (813) 254-5274www.palmaceia.org

ADVENT 2017

NON-PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 104

TAMPA, FLORIDA

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

WE’RE ON SOCIAL MEDIA! Follow us on:Facebook www.facebook.com/PalmaCeiaPresbyterianChurchTwitter @palmaceiapresInstagram PCPChurchWebsite www.palmaceia.org

Christmas Tree Blessing

Creator of Love,

bless with your abundant grace

this our Christmas tree as a symbol of joy.

May its evergreen branches be a sign

of your never-fading promises.

May its colorful lights and ornaments call us

to decorate with love our home and our world.

May the gifts that surround this tree

be symbols of the gifts we have received

from the Tree of Christ’s Cross.

Holy Christmas tree within our home,

may Joy and Peace come and nest

in your branches and in our hearts. Amen.

-Pastor John DeBevoise